Welcome to Souther Country Lodge!

In the Blue Ridge mountains, on a 3-acre plateau carved out of the mountainside, this classic country estate is the perfect venue to host an unforgettable gathering! Whether as a retreat with friends or family, or as a retreat for a business function, Souther Country Lodge is a great place for group gatherings!

At a Glance:
* 11-bedroom, 10 ½-bath English-style countryside inn, sleeps 22
* 1 2-BR suite with living area; 1 accessible bedroom on ground level
* Ideal property for memorable gatherings: intimate weddings, events, corporate retreats, reunions, bachelor/ette parties, milestone birthdays, etc.
* Sits on a 200-acre wildlife preserve with hiking trails, two ponds, and stunning 180º mountain views
* Between Blairsville and Young Harris in the majestic Appalachian Range: peaceful mountain charm just a couple hours’ pretty driving from Atlanta
* Classic & classy: decorated in the timeless style of the country estate
* Unobstructed (and indescribably beautiful!) view all the way to Brasstown Bald, Georgia’s highest peak
* Industrial-grade modern kitchen capable of feeding a small Balkan country
* Large veranda (perfect for sunrise coffee and cocktail hour, alike)
* Beautiful dining room with large fireplace
* Parlor with billiards table
* TV room
* Mountainside fire pit with gorgeous view


The Souther Country Lodge Story...

Sitting in a wicker chair on the veranda of Souther Country Lodge during Golden Hour, tall cold drink in hand, looking up at Brasstown Bald, the highest peak in Georgia… it’s easy to imagine you’re the only person around, far as the eye can see. And more than three decades ago, when the Lodge was built, you would have been.

Ben Citrin owns the property with his five siblings, along with the 200 acres of wildlife preserve it’s on, which has been in his family for 50 years. In 1991, when his mother started building the Lodge, Blairsville was not what it is today. She was a pioneer who wanted to bring people to the Blue Ridge Mountains — an area off the beaten tourism path, to say the least.

“There sure as heck weren’t any Porsches around then,” Ben laughs.

You can’t tell the Lodge’s story without talking about the special woman who envisioned and built it. Ben remembers his mom with pride and admiration. Georgia Lee Souther was born in Mississippi in the hardscrabble 20s, became a nurse, and moved to Florida. One day, assisting with a patient, she met Ben’s dad, a doctor.

“They met over a broken arm,” Ben tells me. “Two weeks later, they were married.”

They were together for 70 years, slowly buying land in North Georgia, so they could one day leave it to their six kids. They came from humble beginnings, and owning property was the epitome of “making it,” after all.

After her husband died, Georgia Lee came up to Blairsville to build on the land they had been acquiring. Standing in the very spot that the Lodge is on today, she looked out across the valley, and declared it the most beautiful view in the world. Right then she decided to level that part of the mountain and start building.

“You have to understand, this was the late 80’s,” Ben says. “Here was this old southern lady with dreams of literally carving out a three-acre flat spot on the mountain to build an 11-room English style inn. It was unheard of. Remember that this was before the world was ready for ‘the Blairsville Experience.’ Most folks (men) laughed in her face.”

Despite a lot of pushback and a literal mountain of obstacles, the Lodge opened its doors in 1993 as a bed and breakfast.

“It did great,” Ben tells me, “and she was right about that view. After all these many years I still catch myself absolutely mesmerized by its beauty. I watch the clouds rolling in, the weather system changing… it’s like looking at a living painting.”

But despite that view and the Lodge’s spacious grandeur, the b&b simply couldn’t keep up with the development all around: the resorts and chain hotels.

After Georgia Lee Souther passed, Ben took it upon himself to breathe new life into Souther Country Lodge. Restoring the classic inn has become his passion project — and a family legacy he hopes his kids will approach with the same love and dedication. As their grandmother did, before him.

“It’s a magical place,” Ben tells me, and though I don’t know him very well, I intuit that this is not a man for hyperbole. He describes the rooms and suites, with their classic charm and floral wallpaper, then tells me about the grand dining room that would comfortably fit 40 people. The industrial-grade kitchen. The billiards table. The creek running down the middle of the property. He tells me how it’s an escape from the everyday, the city, the bustle. The word he uses is, “rejuvenating.”

“And you have to see the wildlife!”

As a result of development all manner of local fauna, dozens of species of birds and woodland creatures great and small, are pushed to Ben’s land, which is in the Chattahoochee National Forest.

The people Ben brings up to the Lodge are surprised that a place like it still exists in these modern times.

“Can you imagine looking at that pasture down there and seeing 70 deer hanging out?” he asks me.

***

What was once the dream of an old southern lady who came from nothing has evolved into a timeless-yet-modern retreat in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

My story ends here, while you and your gathering of friends, family, colleagues, or clients… are about to start yours at Souther Country Lodge.


~Pro Tips & Local Wisdom~

Scenic nature and fun outdoors, galore: hike the Appalachian Trail, explore Vogel State Park, and boat, fish, and swim in nearby Lake Chatuge
Hike then take in the view from Brasstown Bald, Georgia’s highest peak (visible from the lodge)
Small-town charm with big perks: explore Young Harris, a lively but quaint college town, and Blairsville, a mountain gem known for locally owned shops, restaurants, and community events
Sour grapes (and grains): enjoy a glass of wine and breathtaking views at Crane Creek Vineyards; get in the mountain spirit at Grandaddy Mimm’s Distilling Co.; and have a pint or two of the local brew (and some live music, likely as not) at Blairsville Brewing Company


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BEFORE YOU BOOK:

-Area wide power outages are common in the mountains and no refunds will be given if an area wide power outage happens during your stay. No refunds will be given for weather related cancelations.

-Please be aware that you will be receiving a link to our booking contract via text within 24 hours of making your reservation. If you do not see it come through, please let us know as it must be signed. We are happy to answer any questions about its contents.

-This property has all private amenities and is self check in. We will text you information pertinent to your stay including a link to our booking agreement (shortly after reserving), a link to the property guidebook that includes the address and important directions (3 around days before check in), and the code to the smart lock on the door (around 2:30 pm the day of check in)

-Our cancellation policy is firm but if there are other dates you would like to move a reservation to you can. The fee for this will vary from $150 - $300 depending on the cabin, how close to the check in date your reservation currently is and availability.

-Please note that this is a non pet friendly property. No animals are allowed due to owner's allergies. We kindly ask that you respect this policy.

-If smoking takes place on the property during your stay, we will charge you $250 to deodorize and clean the property.

-No amplified sound equipment can be used outdoors between the hours of 10pm and 8am Sunday - Thursday and not between the hours of 11pm and 8 am Friday and Saturday.

- We cannot absolutely honor early check in requests, but we will do our best to accommodate them. Reservations requesting an early check in will not be refunded if we cannot honor the time requested. This is done to benefit the guest so that the property is completely clean and ready at their arrival at 4pm.


STARTER SUPPLIES & ESSENTIALS:

-Suches Vacation Rentals provides a starter supply of basic items to help you settle in comfortably upon arrival. Starter Kit Includes:

Kitchen Trash Bags – 5 (located under the kitchen sink)
Paper Towels – 1 roll per kitchen
Toilet Paper – 3 rolls per bathroom
Body Soap – Small sample bar soaps (included in the welcome kit in the kitchen)

-Please note that this is a starter kit only. If you anticipate needing additional supplies during your stay, we recommend bringing them with you or purchasing them locally.

-As coffee and laundry detergent are often personal preferences, these are not provided—we encourage you to bring your own.

-We do provide an ample supply of:

Dish soap and dish detergent
Shampoo and conditioner
Hand soap


LINEN & TOWELS:

-Suches Vacation Rentals is located in a beautiful yet remote area of the North Georgia Mountains. Because professional linen services are not available locally, all laundry is handled in-house with care. We provide one bath towel and wash cloth per guest according to the maximum occupancy of a cabin.

-If you need extra towels during your stay, just let us know and we’ll do our best to arrange them based on availability.

**We truly appreciate your understanding and support as we work to conserve resources while maintaining a comfortable stay for every guest.**


SPICES:

-We typically provide basic spices such as salt and pepper. If you have specific preferences, we recommend bringing your own.


24/7 GUEST SERVICES:

-Suches Vacation Rentals is available by text or phone 24/7. The number to reach us will be provided in check in information. You will hear a menu listing who is reachable at the time of your call. Our reservations person is available 9-5 for general assistance, guest services, for requests that require in person attention, from 5-10 pm, and from 10pm to 9am someone will be available for rental emergencies. If you are experiencing a medical emergency or immediate danger please call 911.


LOCAL GUIDE & GUEST SUPPORT:

-Each of our cabins includes an “Experience the Mountains” manual filled with handpicked recommendations for hikes, sightseeing, and local dining.

-When you book with Suches Vacation Rentals, you’re not just reserving a cabin—you’re getting a local experience. Our goal is to help you connect with the beauty of Suches and discover activities you’ll truly enjoy while exploring the Chattahoochee National Forest.

-Need recommendations? We’re happy to help!

Calls: Available from 9 AM – 5 PM
Text: Available 24/7 for your convenience

You’ll always be connected with a real team member—no AI, just genuine local support. If you are experiencing a medical emergency or immediate danger please call 911.



CLEANLINESS YOU CAN TRUST!

-With over 5,000 stays and nearly 10,000 reviews, our commitment to cleanliness and guest comfort speaks for itself. We take great pride in maintaining high standards so you can relax and enjoy your stay with confidence.